Qatar 2023 World Cup qualifiers: UAE overcome Thailand to boost Group G chances

The UAE consolidated second spot with a powerful 3-1 win over Thailand in Group G of their Qatar 2023 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.

Caio Canedo gave the hosts the proper begin as he discovered the again of the online with 14 minutes on the clock. Bert van Marwijk’s aspect continued to press the guests again as they appeared for a significant second aim earlier than the break. And they had been rewarded when Fabio Lima obtained his head on the top of a cross from Bandar Al Ahbabi and beat the goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen on the close to put up with 10 minutes to go till the interval.

Thailand got here roaring again within the second half, nevertheless, and pulled a aim again after 53 minutes when Suphanat Mueanta’s good flip and end left UAE goalkeeper and captain Ali Khaseif rooted to the spot.

The recreation continued to swing from finish to finish with either side going shut, together with a wonderful probability for UAE star striker Ali Mabkhout, however his effort discovered the side-netting. Mohammad Juma had an opportunity to actually wrap issues up as we approached the 90-minute mark, however his shot went narrowly over. Undeterred, the assured substitute made it 3-1 and secured the factors deep in harm time and the followers started to occasion within the stands.

After the match, goalscorer Caio, who was born in Brazil however naturalised so he might signify the UAE, mentioned: "I am so happy to help out the UAE tonight. I am so thankful to the fans for all the support they have given me and I am glad to repay them. Now we will go for that top spot in the group as that is our main goal." 

Group G leaders Vietnam thrashed Indonesia 4-0 at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai — all remaining video games within the group are being performed within the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Quang Heim Nguyen Cong Phuong and Vu Van Thanh all obtained on the scoresheet in a second-half deluge to transfer to 14 factors from six video games, two forward of the UAE, with Thailand now an additional three behind in third on 9 factors alongside Malaysia.